I wanted to take a minute to say hi and thank everyone for their kindness, generosity and support. So good to hear from both old and new friends. Help with meals has been especially great as it has gotten us all back on a better track as a family.

One of my goals is to take a small memory making trip with each child— which is a real challenge given my energy level. I am needing another adult helper and wheelchair outside the house. But my mom and I took Maddie to the mall of America after her hockey nationals about 2 weeks ago. I got out of the room for some meals, a roller coaster, and some duck shaped cotton candy! Maddie got a fun shopping spree and loved the amusement park. My mom was th glue that held us together.

Next week Miles and I are slated to go back to visit a program he completed in Chicago— a check in and way to say hi, and a chance to stay at his favorite hotel. His other grandparents are helping us with the first leg of the trip and my sister and niece are going to be there for the second part.

I am finding myself a little nervous as I’m still catching up from the first trip but want to make sure both kids get these chances with me so please pray they all go well.  And for those who contributed financially in a way that has supported these trips (other expenses, family memory making activities) we are also really thankful.

We are working every day to find out new normal and while it’s not a journey we expected to be taking we are trying to prepare our kids with  grace, peace, love, understanding and j